Paige Adams-Geller, the Paige Denim founder and fit model shares how to get the classic "lived-in" look and why that perfect pair of blues from your go-to designer may not fit as well this season (and it's not all the guac and margaritas).

How do you know if a pair of jeans will retain its shape?
Check the label. If it says 70 percent cotton and 30 percent polyester blend, the jeans will hold you in like a girdle. If it's 98 percent cotton, they will stretch and sag. Labels that say "made in Turkey" or "made in Japan" typically have the most stretch.

And how do you know if they're going to keep their color?
For a saturated wash that won't fade, look for "made in Los Angeles" on the tag—that's where the best wash houses are.

How do individual brands determine their sizing?
There used to be an industry standard for fit-model proportions, but that no longer exists. Every label can have a different-size fit model. A more mature brand might use a model who wears a size 6 or 8, whereas a contemporary brand might use a size 2 or 4.

And wouldn't a model's size fluctuate, just like ours?
Yes! Fit models get pregnant, have hormonal changes—basically they gain and lose weight. If you noticed that clothes from a particular designer fit you a little differently last season, it could be that the label is using another fit model, and her shape might not be as close to your own as the last model's was.

How do you keep your favorite denims hugging like the day you bought them?
Wash jeans inside out, then hang them up to dry. If you don't like the crispy texture that results from air-drying, throw them in the dryer for 10 minutes on the tumble setting. It's not hot, so it won't blow out the Lycra and cause stretching.

And if they accidentally end up in the hot dryer and shrink?
Take a spray bottle and spritz the jeans all over to dampen them, then put them on and wear them around the house until they dry. As the denim dries, it will expand and mold to your body.

Instant Style Tip

Updated overalls are a big trend this season. What's your favorite way to style them?
A sleeveless knit and wedges are great for day, but for evening, make them sexy with a sheer fitted top and pointed pumps.